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August 08, 2013

By RFE/RL's Moldovan Service

Former Moldovan Prosecutor-General Valeriu Zubco

CHISINAU – A court in Chisinau has acquitted Moldova's former Prosecutor-General Valeriu Zubco, of charges he faced in connection with a shooting death on a hunting trip.

Moldovan media reported the court's decision on August 7.

Zubco temporarily stepped down in January after lawmakers insisted he could influence the investigation into the death of a businessman on the December hunting excursion.

Zubco, along with judges, prominent businessmen, and some officials, had been present when the shooting occurred.

His decision to leave Moldova for several days after the incident prompted heavy criticism.

Zubco had faced charges of trying to cover up the matter, which led to a five-month political crisis in Moldova.

It is not clear if he will return to his post as prosecutor.

Moldova's National Commission for Integrity said it will appeal the court's decision.